The State of Rajasthan, with a group of over 160 youth who came on a three day pilgrimage, staged two cultural programmes on 8th and 9th of July in His Divine presence. The state that is a repository of cultural abundance picked the lives of two of her illustrious sons, Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar, the King who was known for his love and loyalty for motherland, and Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishty of Ajmer, the most famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order of South Asia, who also popularly known as Khwaja Garib-un-Nawaz.
Maharana Pratap has always been held in great esteem in India whose name was projected as a model for patriotism and freedom struggle. Despite various hardships he stood firmly for the honour and dignity of his motherland. In a life full of ideals and principles, the king lived the famous saying, “Janani Janma Bhoomischa Swargadapi Gareeyasi”, meaning the honour of one’s motherland is much higher than that of the heaven.
The great battle ensued between the Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rana Pratap, after several rounds of persuasive attempts to accept Akbar’s ambitions, was depicted narrating the background story that led to the battle. Though the throne of Mewar was assigned to the younger brother Jagmal Singh, under the influence of Maharana Udai Singh’s favourite queen, loyal Rajpuths who had foreseen the folly and danger forced Jagmal to abdicate the throne in favour of the Rana and Jagmal, in turn, joined the Moghal forces threatening to take revenge on Rana Pratap.
The famous Battle of Haldighati, in 1576, was fought between the mighty Pratap Singh, having the backup of 20,000 strong army, against a much stronger Akbar, with an army of 80,000. Fierce, still indecisive battle ensued to the embarrassment of the mighty Mughal emperor. The Maharana was not defeated, but was surrounded by the enemies. Shakthi Singh, estranged brother of the Rana, did a timely loyal act to save the King. The Rana was grief-stricken at the loss of his loyal horse, Chetak.
Relentless attack from the Mughals left the Rana’s army weak who was finding it difficult, financially, to maintain the strong force. An unexpected financial offer came from one of his ministers, Bhama Singh, who offered all his wealth to help support 25,000 strong army for 12 long years. Pumped up by a renewed vigour and enthusiasm, the Maharana regrouped his forces to win back 32 forts, eventually freeing most of Mewar, including Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh. He could not win back Chittorgarh, but never gave up the spirit of fighting.
Resolute in his approach, passionate to win his motherland from the clutches of the Mughals, the Rana, in a specially convened meeting, urged his trusted chieftains of his decision to leave all his royal comforts, till he could win back his kingdom.
“My brave warrior brothers, our Motherland-holy land of Mewar, is still under the clutches of the Mughals. Today, I take an oath in front of you all that till Chittorgarh is freed, I will not have food in gold and silver plates, will not sleep on a soft bed and will not stay in the palace; instead I will eat food on a leaf-platter, sleep on the floor and stay in a hut. I will also not shave till Chittorgarh is freed. My brave warriors, I am sure that you will support me in every way sacrificing your mind, body and wealth till this oath is fulfilled”.
Needless to say that his loyal chieftains were very much inspired who declared all-out support to bring freedom for their Motherland.
Fighting with great patriotic fervour, showcasing the art of bravery, self-confidence and sacrifice, the Maharana fought relentless till his last breath. His journey was a life of Self Confidence, Self Satisfaction and Self Sacrifice that finally led him to Self Realisation on January 29, 1597, the day when he finally attained His Lotus Feet, that of his chosen God, His Beloved Ekling Ji (Lord Shiva).
The presentation had a narrator who introduced the drama, followed by various events as interludes taking the theme along. At the end of the programme, Bhagawan moved down the stage to pose for a group photo session with the participants.
KHWAJA GARIB NAWAZ
Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, who was born in 1141, popularly known as Garib Nawaz, is the most famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order of South Asia. He was one of the most outstanding figures in the annals of Islamic mysticism and founder of the Chistiyya order in India.
The programme on the 9th July evening was a portrayal of his journey from Moin-ud-din-Hasan, a ‘specially gifted child’ of a pious, righteous couple to Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, an exponent of true spirit of Islam.
As a child he was compassionate, God-Loving and by the mysterious intervention of the Almighty, through a mystic by name Ibrahim Qanduzi, he was enlightened at a very young age. One day when the young lad was working in the garden, who had by then lost his parents, Ibrahim Qanduzi happened to pass by. Pleased with young Hasan’s hospitality, the mystic presented him a portion of an oil cake, after chewing the first portion himself, to eat. And Lo! That instant became his moment of realization!
Hasan, in pursuit of knowledge travelled wide, ending up meeting with Khwaja Usman Harooni, a sufi saint of the Chishti Order. Impressed by the spiritual eminence, the master trained Hasan for twenty long years. Hasan accompanied Khwaja Usman on arduous mystic journeys while performing all the rigorous ascetic practices prescribed by his Master.
The Khwaja was happy at the progress of his disciple. He advised him: “I have entrusted thee to God. Be dependent on God always and do not withhold any hope from people. Be aloof and do not demand anything from anybody. Do not discriminate between people on the parochial grounds of their religious faith. O Moin-ud-din! I now entrust you to the care of God”. Having said this, the Master honoured his disciple with his robe and took him to Haj. After visiting the holy shrines in Makka and Madina, one night, in trance, he heard the Voice of God. “O Moin-ud-din! I entrust to thee the country of Hindustan (India). Proceed to Ajmer and show the path of truth to the people there”.
Taking leave of his Master, Khwaja reached Ajmer, much to the resentment of the ruling king Prithviraj Chauhan. Khwaja was simple in his life, completely detached from all worldly attractions. His simplistic life style, piety and devotion to God attracted many to his Bargah, where rich and poor would often stand side by side praying to Almighty. The Khwaja who preached the same message as that of Bhagawan, to Worship God in Men, passed away at the ripe age of 97. Even today, his shrine, popularly known as “Dargah Sahrif” has been attracting millions of people from all walks of life and faith, all over the world, irrespective of caste, creed and belief and thus spreading the eternal message of Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God.
At the end of the programme clothes were distributed to the participants, after which, Bhagawan moved down the stage to pose for a photo session, blessing all.
